Another violent criminal has gone missing after failing to return to an open prison from day release.

Robber Peter Mahoney left Ford Prison near Arundel in West Sussex on Friday and travelled to Brighton but did not return.

Mahoney was given an indeterminate sentence in 2010 and told he would serve at least four years after he admitted charges of racially aggravated wounding, possession of a firearm, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Controversy has surrounded open prisons across the country as inmates have absconded. In the most high-profile case, Michael Wheatley, who is known as the "Skull Cracker", carried out a raid on a building society while on the run from HMP Standford Hill in Kent in May.

Pc Steve Reed, of Sussex Police, said: "Mahoney has a history of violence and is therefore a concern. We need to recapture him as quickly as possible.

"We need people to contact us if they see him or know where he is. If you see him, do not approach him but call 999 immediately instead."

On November 5 2008, Mahoney racially abused a customer in a shop in Norwood, south London, went to his home and then returned with an air pistol and shot the victim.

The next day he threatened a group of friends with an airgun in Stone, near Dartford in Kent, after claiming to be a police officer. He stole their car and drove off.

Mahoney, 37, is white, 6ft 2in and of average build. He has links to London and Kent.

Anyone with information about Mahoney should call 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.